Technology at the ready

File sharing via Dropbox

A cloud service that works equally well on computers and the mobile apps for the major smartphone platforms, Dropbox allows users to store files in online folders that can be shared to create a cloud-based portal between two Dropbox users.

Video calls via Skype

Available on PCs and smartphones, Skype provides free video calls between Skype users with screen sharing and group calling capabilities.

Smartphones

Pocket-sized computers with cell phone capabilities, a decent smartphone also can handle mobile Internet, email, basic photography, video recording and calling, GPS directions, and more.

Tablets

Apple revolutionized this rapidly growing market with the iPad, but other options running the Android operating system have quickly followed. The latest tablets are portable media consumption and communication hubs.